What Happened This Year 1868
Born in 1868
Robert Falcon Scott
A naval officer and explorer, he led two significant expeditions to Antarctica. The 1901-1904 Discovery Expedition resulted in valuable scientific data and geographical discoveries. The tragic 1910-1913 Terra Nova Expedition aimed for the South Pole. Reaching the pole in January 1912, Scott and his team faced harsh conditions on the return journey. All members perished from exposure and starvation, leading to a posthumous legacy in exploration history.
Continue ReadingCharles Rennie Mackintosh
An influential figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, credited with shaping modern architecture and design. Studied at the Glasgow School of Art, where innovative designs included the famous Glasgow School. Developed a distinctive style that combined Celtic influences with modernism. Also created furniture, textiles, and decorative arts, featuring a harmonious blend of geometric lines and floral motifs. Involved in projects such as the Willow Tearooms in Glasgow, illustrating a commitment to integrating art into everyday life.
Continue ReadingRobert Robinson Taylor
An influential architect and educator contributed significantly to architectural education. Served as the first black graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1892. Played a pivotal role at Tuskegee Institute, where he established an architecture program. Designed several buildings on the Tuskegee campus, including the landmark chapel and other significant structures that showcased a unique blend of African American culture and architectural style. Advocated for the inclusion of black architects in the professional field during a time of racial discrimination.
Continue ReadingJane Avril
Born in 1868, this individual rose to prominence as a dancer at the Moulin Rouge, becoming an iconic figure of the Belle Époque era in France. Recognized for a distinctive style that blended elements of can-can and other dance forms, contributed significantly to the cabaret scene. This person was also a muse for several artists, most notably Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who depicted her in various artworks. As a performer, brought to life the vibrant atmosphere of Paris nightlife during a transformative period in French culture.
Continue ReadingWallace Clement Sabine
An American physicist and academic, contributed significantly to the field of acoustics. Sabine developed the theory of architectural acoustics, which is crucial for the design of auditoriums, concert halls, and theaters. Appointed as a professor at Harvard University, he conducted extensive research into the properties of sound and how it interacts with different environments. His work laid the foundation for modern acoustical engineering. The introduction of the Sabine formula, which calculates the reverberation time in a room, remains a standard in the field. Sabine's innovative approach combined both theoretical and practical aspects of acoustics.
Continue ReadingAnna B. Eckstein
Born in Germany, engaged in peace activism during the early 20th century. Participated in the women's peace movement, advocating for disarmament and international cooperation. Contributed significantly to anti-war conferences and was involved with various organizations promoting peace in Europe. Actively campaigned against the militarization of society and urged for peace treaties to prevent conflicts. Worked alongside other notable peace advocates of the era, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue and understanding between nations.
Continue ReadingKarl Landsteiner
Austrian biologist and physician contributed significantly to the field of immunology. Discovered the human blood groups A, B, AB, and O, which allowed for safe blood transfusions. Conducted foundational research in serology, leading to advances in understanding various diseases and blood compatibility. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930 for discovering the Rh factor in blood.
Continue ReadingMiklós Horthy
Served as the Regent of Hungary from 1920 to 1944. Horthy was an admiral in the Austro-Hungarian Navy during World War I and played a significant role in the establishment of the interwar period in Hungary. His leadership was marked by the restoration of the monarchy without a king, as well as economic and political instability. Horthy aligned Hungary with the Axis Powers during World War II, which included the implementation of anti-Jewish laws. Following the war, he was captured by the Allies and exiled, living in Portugal until his death in 1957.
Continue ReadingGeorge Ellery Hale
Contributions to astronomy included founding several observatories. Developed the solar telescope and made significant discoveries about the sun, including the existence of sunspots. Established the Mount Wilson Observatory in California, which advanced astrophysical research. Pioneered the use of spectroscopy in astrophysics and contributed to the understanding of stellar evolution.
Continue Reading